Casualties unknown

1992-09-17: Luscombe 8A (N39087) — Springfield Flying Service — Columbia, CA

Columbia, CA, US

On September 17, 1992, a Luscombe 8A (registration N39087) operated by Springfield Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE STUDENT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE LOW SPEED PORTION OF THE LANDING ROLL. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF BRAKE PEDALS AT THE INSTRUCTOR'S SEAT POSITION ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE COCKPIT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a student pilot's fourth landing resulted in a ground loop after the aircraft veered off the runway at about 15 mph. The right seat had no brakes, preventing instructor control with rudder alone.

Accident Overview

An instructional flight ended in a ground loop after the student pilot's fourth landing attempt. The aircraft, which had completed three prior landings without incident, decelerated to approximately 15 miles per hour on the final landing when it began veering off the runway.

Sequence of Events

According to the instructor, the student pilot had successfully executed three landings earlier in the flight. On the fourth landing, as the aircraft slowed to about 15 mph, it started to deviate from the runway centerline. The instructor reported that the right seat position—where the student was seated—was not equipped with brakes. This left the instructor unable to intervene using braking from the left seat. With the aircraft's speed reduced, the instructor found that rudder alone was insufficient to counteract the veering motion. The aircraft subsequently ground looped, resulting in the collapse of the right landing gear and damage to the wing.

Findings

The instructor noted that the absence of brakes on the right seat and the low speed of the aircraft limited control options. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, location, or occupants were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15726. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.